Back to Old House Vineyard

 

I had an opportunity to stop in for another tasting at Old House Vineyards.  This is always exciting, because the staff is great, the vineyards are gorgeous, you are not rushed to leave, and the wine is fantastic.  Does the combination get any better?  Well, yes it does!  In fact, during the tasting the host and I were conversing over their Chambourcin Dessert Wine.  This is a red dessert wine aged in bourbon barrels and is made from the vineyards own Chambourcin grapes.  To achieve the "port" like quality, the wine maker uses brandy, which is distilled from their own Chambroucin grapes--Out of this world!  Anyways, the host had informed me that the vineyard owner has plans for a distillery to be built on the vineyard.  This is great news, because this opens up an opportunity for the vineyard to offer a wider selection of types of drinks.  The host couldn't comment on what the distillery would be used to produce or when, but it is in production.  Also, being added to Old House is a brick oven.  Hmmmm...what could that be used for, maybe PIZZA!  I don't know, but I can't wait to see what they do with the oven. 

Looking across the vine and out to the pond.

Looking back at the Old House tasting room.

 

 

 

This tasting included "Petillante".  This is a new addition and may not be permanent. Petillante is a sparkling wine.  It is 100% Chardonnay, with a splash of Cognac. Unbelievable!









The wine list:

• Petillante: A 2011 sparkling wine made from 100% Chardonnay, with a splash of Cognac.
• 2011 Clover Hill:  This is a dry crisp white wine.
• 2012 Chardonnay: This is a barrel fermented wine, with light oak and butter components.  You are fronted with tropical fruit overtones.
• 2011 Vidal Blanc: A semi-sweet, white summer wine.  This is your picnic wine.
• 2012 Rosie's Rose: This is Old House's lush Rose', made from Cabernet Franc.
• 2010 Cabernet Franc: Aged in French Oak, bringing full character to the palate and spicy notes to the nose.
• 2012 Wicked Bottom: This is their Chambourcin Reserve.  This is a barrel aged wine with a fruity character and oak structure.  
• 2010 Bacchanalia: This is a full bodied wine.  It is a blend of barrel-aged Cabernet Franc, Tannat, Petit Verdot, and Chambourcin.
• Arctica: This is a very sweet dessert wine, made from deep-frozen post-harvest Vidal grapes.  This is a very rich dessert wine.  The recommendation to try this on ice cream was passed and I think I will do it.
• Chambourcin Dessert Wine: This is a red dessert wine, aged in bourbon barrels.  The wine is made from their Chambourcin grapes and fortified with wine spirits.  Anyone got a cigar?

 

 

 

 

Questions to ask during your wine tasting...

On the several tastings I have been to, I have noticed that most people are usually  do not ask questions.  Most generally I have seen 3 types of people at wineries.  The first type are usually new comers or first timers, whom are usually very quiet, tightly held to the counter, and listen eagerly to what the host is telling them.  Don't get me wrong this is good!  Listening is always more important than talking.  The second type usually pile in from a limo or bus off a wine tour.  These are tourists or locals just out having fun, have a taste, buy some wine, and move on.  They don't seem to linger around long enough to get a sense of community about the vineyard.  The third type of person I have noticed are devoted patrons.  These folks know what they want.  They normally come into the winery, buy their wine and move to a table or chair to lounge, drink and talk.  They don't hang around the bar and usually never share their thoughts on wine outside their table, unless you happen to engage them in off-handed conversation.   So what I am describing is the wine tasting environment that I have come to understand.  I am probably a category of a fourth type of person. I find that I like to move through the environment, engaging host, staff, and patrons alike to gain insights and knowledge about the art and science of wine.  The best tools for a person like me is a friendly smile, some stories to share and some QUESTIONS.  So to help build a richer wine tasting experience, I am putting together a list of questions that anyone can ask.  Keep in mind questions are like junctions to different roads.  Sometimes asking the same question to different people will take you on a different conversation journey...Don't be afraid to reuse questions, even if you know the answer already.

I also want to say that in making a list of questions to use, you don't need to ask them all at one winery.  Its not about sounding important, its about learning about the wine you are drinking.  Don't push the questions to the point that you are wasting someones time and don't ecxpect them to teach you how to make wine.

An non-risky approach I like (if I feel intimidated by the situation) is to keep it simple and focus on the basics. There are three basic things you need to assess when tasting wine: the appearance, the nose (aroma) and the mouth (flavor).  Base your questions on that.  If you have time, definitely expand on more general or focused information.  

Help me add to the list below:

• What is the difference between wine fermented in steel versus in oak?
• What food would be a good pairing for this wine?
• At what temperature should I serve this wine?
• What is the best way to store this wine and how long can I keep it before I open it?
• What awards has this wine won?
• What is the most popular wine at this vineyard?
• Who is the winemaker?
• What is the winemakers background?  
• Does the winemaker have a preferred wine on the list?
• Can you tell me about the vineyards soil and climate?  How does this affect the wine?
• What is the vineyards best year for reds/whites? 
• What is the best  year for this variety?

Dreaming Tree Chardonnay Central Coast 2010

Dreaming Tree Wines:

While browsing the wine isle at my local grocery store, I came upon this bottle of 2010 Chardonnay, from the Dreaming Tree.  Not having much exposure in central coast wines I  found out that Dreaming Tree is a collaboration between Dave Matthews (who also owns Blenheim Vineyards) and Steve Reeder (http://www.winecountrythisweek.com/articles/simi-winery-steve-reeder). 

The wine is very clean and gold in color.  Other reviews say that the wine posseses Oak and vanilla on the nose.  I didn't get that experience.  I agree that it has a medium body.  I also agree that it is round, and does have good acid, but its not overwhelming. I paired the wine with some buttered tortellini and shrimp.  I think it would have been better with another persons suggestion, which was Salmon.
 

Different Types of Wine

Source:
http://winefolly.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Different-Types-of-Wine- Infographic-Chart3.png

Balistreri Vineyards: Denver, Colorado

Background:

Balistreri Vineyards is located in Denver Colorado.  It is a family owned vineyard, which has been operating 15 years (since 1998).  The wine maker and owner is John Balistreri.  Some of his family members also participated in the vineyards operations.  Mr. Balistreri’s wife and grandson both hosted and gave guests tours of the winery.  Tours of the winery were provided to interested guests for free.  During the tour, Mrs. Balistreri provided a detailed review of their wine making process from start to finish.  The winery also serves food and there are nice accommodations at the winery for events, such as weddings.


From the road looking at the tasting room of Balistreri

Vines along the road at Balistreri

Highlights:
Balistreri is the only winery in Denver with a vineyard.  They have 2 acres, located about 2 miles down the road from the winery dedicated to vine.  While the vineyard has turned grapes in the past, it is not currently doing so.    To attain grapes for wine production, the Balistreri purchases from other vineyards, which are located in the Grand Valley AVA.    This is pretty much common among Colorado winery’s and vineyards from what I was able to learn from the host. 


In the cellar at Balistreri

Wine Notes:
If you are deciding on what year to commit to, according to the host, 2012 was a good year for Colorado wines.

Because the vineyard is not producing their own grapes, there are not estate wines at this winery.  However, this winery has a unique practice for making wines.  Their wines are all natural.  This means they are not using additives, like sulfites.  Mrs. Balistreri continued to communicate that they were making wine according to the old ways.  Their idea was to create a wine true to the taste of the grape and vineyard, from which it was picked.   You would also notice that all of their wines on their venue are of a single varietal, with the exception of the Port.  The winery uses all American Oak barrels, which they prefer to purchase from Missouri.   They do not seem to have an active plan for retiring barrels.  Instead they reuse the same barrels over and over again.  Some of the same barrels have been in operation since they opened 15 years ago.

 

Tasting Venue:

The following wines were available at the time of my tasting.

Because of the unique method of producing “all natural wines” I felt the wines on this list were all unique.  A Cabernet Sauvignon produced at this winery may differ greatly from a Cabernet Sauvignon elsewhere, due to their processing methods.  There was even a dramatic difference on the vertical tasting of some of their wines, such as the 2008 Late Harvest Merlot.  Some wines that appealed to me were the 2011 Colorado Little Feet Merlot, the 2011 Colorado Syrah and the Balistreri Port.  The Colorado Cherry was also very popular among the crowd.
As you look over the list of wines I tasted, it is important to make note of the following:

• All wines with “Colorado” in the name mean that they were produced from grapes grown 100% in Colorado.
• Balistreri lists the vineyard of origin on the label.  At least my host was knowledgeable about the terroir of the vineyard of origin and could talk about it when cued.
• Wines with “American” in the name mean that the grapes could be purchased from outside of Colorado.  It seemed like California was the next place of choice.
• If you are interested in vertical tastings from their library, the host told me that Balistreri was committed to the Colorado vineyards. So the labels do has consistency between vineyards from year to year.
• Their wines ferment for about a year before bottling. 
• The winery prefers making reds over whites, so you will see a red heavy venue.

Whites:

• 2012 Colorado Orange Muscat (Barrel #2044) (Talbott Vineyard)
• 2011 Colorado Riesling (Barrel #231) (Talbott Vineyard)

Reds:

• 2012 Colorado Sangiovesse (Barrel #170)
• 2011 Colorado Little Feet Merlot (Barrell # 107) (Talbot Vineyard)

                      Key Note: This is called “Little Feet” because the grapes are stomped by children at  
                      Balistreri’s Annual Harvest Party.

• 2011 Colorado Little Feet Merlot (Barrel # 9928) (Bennett Vineyard)
• 2011 Colorado Syrah (Barrel #117) (Talbot Vineyard)
• 2010 American Cabernet Sauvignon (Barrel #129)

                Key Note: Aged for 24 months in American Oak barrels.

• 2011 Colorado Cabernet Sauvignon (Barrel #172) (Whitewater Hill)
• 2008 Colorado Cabernet Franc (Barrel #2055) (Avant Vineyard)
• 2009 American Petite Sirah (Barrel #140)

Dessert:
















 

• Balistreri Port (Barrel #966)

            Key Note: This port is produced with three Portuguese grape varietals: 35% Touriga, 35% 
            Tinto Cao, 30% Alvarelhoa.  These grapes were grown in Amador County, CA and crushed in
            Denver.  Balistreri fortifies with 190 proof grape spirits.

• 2008 Colorado Late Harvest Merlot (Barrel #2297)
• 2010 Late Harvest Zinfandel (Barrel #6-011)

• Colorado Cherry (Barrel #36-10)

A photo of 2012 Colorado Sangiovesse in the glass: 

 

Colorado Cherry in the fermentation process: 

 

Awards:

About Colorado wines:Colorado’s wines will taste much different than wines from Napa Valley or Carneros in California, Bordeaux in France, the Mosel Valley in Germany or the Barossa Valley in Australia. Because Colorado’s vineyards are the highest in North America (4500 to over 7000 feet above sea level) and only slightly lower than some of the vineyards in Argentina, because our humidity is very low and our soils quite alkaline, our wines are unique. [source: http://www.coloradowine.com/]

About the Grand Valley AVA: 

 

The Grand Valley AVA, along the Colorado River, once called the Grand River, forty miles east of the Utah border—begins where the mouth of DeBeque Canyon opens onto the lush green oasis along the valley floor at Palisade, sheltered by the largest flattop mountain in the world, Grand Mesa, the AVA then spills up onto East Orchard Mesa and Orchard Mesa along the south bank of the river, and stretches right to the foot of the Colorado National Monument west of Grand Junction. Elevations range here from just over 4000 feet above sea level to over 4500. DeBeque Canyon and the Colorado River provide constant breezes to cool this area in summer and warm it up during the sometimes harsh winters. The chalky, south-facing Bookcliff Mountains reflect solar energy onto the valley floor, making for some great conditions for Syrah, Viognier and other Rhone varietals, as well as the Bordeaux grapes, especially Cabernet Franc, that flourish on the slightly higher and cooler Orchard Mesa. This was the site of Colorado’s first grape industry that began in earnest in the 1880-1890s. The Grand Valley gets as many [degree days] as Napa Valley, Tuscany or Bordeaux, but in a shorter period of time. Due to the similarity of climate with the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain, Tempranillo also is proving to be well suited to this region.  [source: http://www.coloradowine.com/]
Other Links:
Colorado’s Unique American Viticultural Areas
Colorado Wineries

Tasting at Barboursville Vineyard

As many times as my wife and I have tasted at Barboursville Vineyard or purchased a bottle of Phileo, one of our favorite wines, I have never posted my review of the experience.  Luca Paschina's wine is what started my passion for wine and more particularly, Virginia wine.  Barboursville was the place of my first wine tasting.  We stumbled upon the idea of wine tasting one Autumn afternoon, while I was out "sick" from work.  Sick of work, may have been more of the ailing problem than anything.  With the kids at school, my wife and I decided to explore the area and landed at Barboursville vineyard.  To complete the memory, we followed up with the Barb-Q Exchange (I believe bacon brownies were the treat) and ended with a tasting at Horton Vineyards.

Barboursville Vineyards is also the site of Governor James Barbour's mansion.  The mansion's Octagon shaped Great Room, was created by Thomas Jefferson.  Octagon is also the name of Barboursville's flagship wine, which won the 2013 Virginia Governor's Cup. The tasting experience is great at Barboursville.  The hosts are knowledgeable, professional and fun.  Ask all the questions you want.  This has become one of my go to wineries where I take friends and family, because I know that they will have a great time and walk away with an exceptional wine. I remember Barboursville for their reds and their Vintage Rose.  For some reason I Barboursville makes me a little tipsy every time.  We normally walk out with some bottles of Phileo for storage.  Phileo is a little sweet and seems to go with lazy afternoons.  They also carry a Brut, but it has never been in stock for me to try.   This is usually a good sign.

I originally followed Barboursville with Horton Vineyards, but found that the two tastes didn't mix well.  If you are trying to hit more than one winery in a day, I would recommend Barboursville first and then Burnley Vineyards.  Burnley is sweeter than Barboursville, so you can carry forward off the Malvaxia and end at Burnley with their Rubix.  I am craving both wineries just thinking about it.  Maybe a visit is due soon.

To learn more about Barboursville Vineyard spend some time reading this recent article posted by NY Times: Virginia Wines: In the Old Dominion, a New Terroir.

American Wine

American Wine: The Ultimate Companion to the Wines and Wineries of the United States

If you are an American wine lover, this book was published March 2013 and is for sale on Amazon.com. 

Here is the UC Press review:
Over the past three decades, a wine revolution has been taking place across the United States. There are now more than 7,000 American wine producers—up from 440 in 1970—and the best bottles are every bit as good as the finest wines of Europe. American Wine is the first comprehensive and authoritative reference on the wines, wineries, and winemakers of America. Written by world-renowned wine author Jancis Robinson and U.S. wine expert Linda Murphy, this book is the natural companion to the international bestseller, The World Atlas of Wine. More than 200 breathtaking photographs, profiles of key personalities, and informational graphics bring to life the vitality of American wine culture and 54 detailed full-color maps locate key regions, wineries, and vineyards. Organized by geographical region, American Wine concentrates on areas such as California, Oregon, and Washington that produce the best-known wines, and ventures across the country to introduce gems such as racy Rieslings from Michigan and New York, Bordeaux-style wines from Virginia, bright-fruited Tempranillo from Texas and southern Oregon, and characterful Nortons from the Midwest.

Unicorn Winery: Traminette 2011

 Tonight we pulled a 2011 Traminette from our wine cellar.  Traminette is made at Unicorn Winery.  Traminette is full bodied, lightly oaked, with slight hints of vanilla, butterscotch and apricots. It has wonderful fruit flavors the pair nicely with seafood, Smoked Gouda.

Find out more about Unicorn Winery here: http://unicornwinery.com/the_vineyard.

Check out the picnic basket options from Unicorn Winery.

Forks of Cheat Winery: Blackberry Wine

Forks of Cheat Blackberry Wine

Forks of Cheat Winery crafts wines from French hybrid and American grapes.  They have 16 acres under vine and are located along the Cheat River in WV.  They have received over 200 awards from regional, national, and international competitions.They make red, white, fruit and dessert wines.  They have a wine for every occasion.  See the full wine list on their website: http://www.wvwines.com/wines.

Fruit Wines have become very popular and I have seen prices range from $6.00 a bottle to $30.00 a bottle.  What makes them value so high?  I don't know.  There are plenty of community around the web discussing fruit wines.  So if this is your interest, plug in.  

Forks of Cheat Winery makes several fruit wines.  Among them, they have Apple, Raspberry, Blackberry (see photos above), Strawberry, Blueberry, Pear, Peach, and others.  Fruit wines are great for many occasions, from setting on the porch, to serving with a dessert, to lounging on the beach.  My favorites include Strawberry, Blackberry, Blueberry and Peach.  Some fruit wines, such as blueberry and peach are also great for cooking or chasing with Brut wine.  In particular, Burnley Vineyard's Peach Fuzz, goes great over ice cream, chicken, and chased in a nice sparkling wine.  Another great fruit wine is Grandma's Love Potion, made at Hiddencroft Vineyards.  This wine is also great for a cooking and drinking.  It is also very hard to get.  If you are interested I recommend that you call the winery, find out what they have in stock and pick up two or three for the season. 

Forks of Cheat Winery wine lists:
Fruit Wine List: http://www.wvwines.com/fruitWinesList 
Dessert Wine List: http://www.wvwines.com/dessertWinesList
Red Wine List: http://www.wvwines.com/redWinesList
White Wine List: http://www.wvwines.com/whiteWinesList
Article talking about the popularity of fruit wines: Fruit Wines Move Into a Sophisticated Realm

Gray Ghost New Release: 2012 Vidal Blanc

Here are the specifics of the Gray Ghost 2012 Vidal Blanc. 

They call it "Summer in a Bottle".  Gray Ghost's 2012 Vidal Blanc is the perfect wine to enjoy on a sultry summer day.  The aroma exhibits bright fruity and floral notes followed by a palate rich with flavors of honeydew melon and citrus notes.  The lingering finish is off-dry (only slightly sweet) with lovely peach overtones.  This wine pairs perfectly with Thai food, light seafood, summer picnics, decks and porches.  The new release Vidal Blanc is already a winner of seven medals, including four in California.

$14 per bottle

Silver-2013 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition

Silver-2013 Tasters Guild International Wine Competition

Bronze-2013 Los Angeles International Wine Competition

Bronze-2013 San Francisco International Wine Competition

Bronze-2013 Consumer Wine Awards at Lodi, California

Bronze-2013 Riverside International Wine Competition, California

Bronze-2013 Lone Star International Wine Competition